Tips for the Top

Hall of Shame or not, these hills still have to be tackled. Some purists feel that knowing of others' experiences diminishes the excitement of the unknown, but for those happy to avoid unnecessary branch bashing or landowner and dog dodging, here are a few more tips for reaching the tops.

Deadh Choimhead (19A)

Jonathan Woods: This is a gem of a hill and an excellent walk. We started from near Clachadubh at NM945274 and crossed the ford to follow the track marked on the OS map (1996). Take first right track to its end, and a path leads up to a clearing. Carry straight on up hill though denser trees, until the open hillside is reached below the crags.

Cruach Lerags (19A)

Jonathan Woods: This presents more 'interest' (in route finding) than any of the listed hills. The summit is totally clear of trees, despite what map shows, though the view must be diminishing with time as the trees slightly lower grow up. Thoroughly recommended for those who like a maze. We started on minor road to Loch Feochan, at NM849251 just opposite farm road to Ardoran. Here there is a wide gully which leads up the first hill, where we found a track. This can be followed for a short distance to the 'col' and another track (wall and ditch) then it's off up the hill through the trees. There are quite a lot of bare patches, and some quite long rides, which sort of go in the right direction, and then end. By linking these areas together, a way can be found to the summit. We couldn't retrace our steps on the way down, but found an equally practicable route.

Cnoc nam Broighleag (19A)

Jonathan Woods: Another fine scramble. We parked on the start of the forest road at NM942923 and followed this up under the power lines to the end near the stream at NM942930. There's a few hundred metres of rough going over a felled area NE, then follow the stream (very) steeply up to the lochan just below the summit. Interesting place - if I recall correctly the lochan has two outflows.

Mochrum Fell (27C)

Rob Woodall: Acting on a tip-off I approached Mochrum Fell from the N side. Got the car to the col at NX721752 without difficulty (no barrier). For a good line, walk east 50 metres along the track then head straight up the hill through tiny seedlings then mature sitka without difficulty. Beware - west of this line is a mass of wind-felled trees.

Carnedd Wen (31A)

Chris Peart: Technical. Noting Richard Webb's comments I approached from the west. It looked easy on the map. However, a very steep climb led to steep trackless heather, then the final horror - much planting not shown on my old map. Luckily I found a ride that cut straight across and deposited me on the track near the summit. No sign of any Keep Out signs.

David Purchase: I went from the north, following the forest edge to SH927114, from where it was easy to get through to the track to the trig point. Forestry workers did not appear concerned by my presence. This might be easier than the southern approaches.

Rhos Ymryson (31C)

Chris Peart: Required a covert ascent after dark, but the summit fence was easy - I was almost disappointed.

Mynydd Dinas (32C)

Richard Webb: I can heartily recommend Mynydd Dinas. Since the industrial forestry burned down a few years ago it has become a very wild place with lots of native trees growing from the ashes.

Shining Tor (36)

David Purchase: The opposite of a Get Off My Land award; although the RoW is on the east of the wall along the summit ridge there is a ladder stile to enable access 'to the trig point only' on the west side about two metres away. It isn't really any higher!

Staple Hill (41)

Chris Peart: No problem. Armed only with a roadmap (I'd forgotten my Landranger), I soon found the trig. It's about 30 metres from the high point of the track in mature mixed woodland, camouflaged only by dappled shade.